UConn recognizes and welcomes the variety of religious and cultural observances present in our community. We believe that meaningful inclusion plays a critical role in the well-being of all members of the UConn community. In accordance with this mission, we advise faculty and staff to take dates of religious holidays into consideration when planning events or setting academic deadlines. 

We encourage you to learn more about individual observances at the Interfaith Calendar. These resources are provided to assist faculty and staff in planning activities and deadlines. This list is non-exhaustive, and requests to accommodate sincerely held religious practices must be assessed on an individualized basis. The University’s Religious Accommodation Policy provides further information and guidance. 

Guidance for Religious Accommodations in Academic Settings

Consistent with state law, any student who is unable to attend classes on a particular day or days or at a particular time of day because of the tenets of a sincerely held religious practice or belief may be excused from any academic activities on such particular day or days or at such particular time of day. 

Students requesting a religious accommodation should understand the following: 

• Instructors are expected to include in their course syllabus a statement regarding the notice period required for religious accommodation. 
• Requests must be made directly to the instructor with sufficient advance notice. Students are expected to inform all relevant course instructors at least three weeks before the planned religious observance and any accommodation needed. 
• Students are responsible for obtaining the materials and information provided during any class(es) missed. 

Undergraduate students must work with Dean of Students to reschedule finals; graduate students (excluding law, medicine, and dental medicine) must work directly with their faculty member to reschedule finals. 

Instructor Responsibilities: 

• Instructors are expected to include in their course syllabus a statement regarding the notice period required for religious accommodation. 
  Instructors are responsible for providing students who are absent from academic activities due to sincerely held religious practices or beliefs with appropriate opportunities to make up any missed examinations, assignments, or other academic requirements resulting from such absences. 
• Instructors should respect students’ privacy when making accommodations and avoid requesting proof of religious beliefs. They may seek guidance from their department head or dean if needed. 

Students with concerns are encouraged to discuss the matter with their course instructor or department head. Undergraduate students may also contact the Dean of Students Office for additional assistance, and graduate students may consult with The Graduate School. Graduate students enrolled in professional programs (i.e., JD, MD, DMD) in the Schools of Dental Medicine, Law,  and Medicine may consult with relevant representatives in those Schools. 

Any individual (students, faculty, and staff) with questions or concerns may also contact the Office of Institutional Equity at equity@uconn.edu or (860) 486-2943 or refer to equity.uconn.edu for further information

Additional Information

UConn Religious Accommodation Policy
FAQs Regarding Religious Accommodations
Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (Formerly, Office of Institutional Equity)
UConn Faith
UConn Cultural Centers
Dean of Students – Rescheduling Final Exams (Undergraduates)
The Graduate School
Glossary of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Terms